MacKay Medical University Hosts First International Symposium on Regenerative Medicine and Translational Research
TAIPEI, Taiwan — MacKay Medical University hosted its inaugural International Academic Symposium on June 27, bringing together leading researchers from Taiwan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan to explore emerging advances in regenerative medicine, precision healthcare, and translational biomedical research.
Held in conjunction with the 16th Joint Symposium on Clinical Medical Research, the event centered on the theme “Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Translational Research.” More than 120 faculty members, clinicians, scientists, and students from medical schools and research institutions across Taiwan participated. Organizers reported record numbers of research submissions and attendees, reflecting growing interest in regenerative medicine and interdisciplinary biomedical research.
The symposium marked the University’s first international academic conference since its recent transition to MacKay Medical University, underscoring its expanding role in global medical research and international academic collaboration.
In his opening address, President Hung-Yi Yeh said the University is strengthening its development as a research-intensive medical institution by focusing on three strategic areas: geriatric medicine, precision medicine, and regenerative medicine.
“Medical education today must go beyond clinical training,” Yeh said. “Future physician-scientists need interdisciplinary perspectives, research capabilities, and the ability to translate scientific discoveries into clinical practice.”
He added that the University aims to integrate clinical care, scientific research, and medical education while expanding international partnerships to address global healthcare challenges, including population aging and the increasing demand for precision medicine.
Dean of the College of Medicine Professor Yi-Che Wu noted that advances in artificial intelligence, big data analytics, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine are rapidly transforming biomedical research and healthcare.
“Regenerative medicine is creating new possibilities for tissue repair, organ regeneration, and the treatment of complex diseases,” Wu said. “To prepare students for this evolving landscape, MacKay Medical University has established Taiwan’s first Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Regenerative Medicine, integrating education and research in this emerging field.”
The symposium featured keynote lectures from internationally recognized researchers, including Professor Robert Gourdie, Director of the Center for Vascular and Heart Research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech; Professor Toru Suzuki of the University of Leicester and the Institute of Medical Science at The University of Tokyo; and Dr. Wei Chen of Academia Sinica’s Genomics Research Center.
Their presentations covered recent advances in regenerative medicine, cell therapy, genomic medicine, and translational research, while highlighting opportunities for international collaboration in addressing complex medical challenges.
Alongside keynote sessions, the symposium included oral and poster presentation competitions in three categories: Regenerative Medicine, Innovation and Translational Medicine, and Undergraduate Research. The competitions provided graduate and undergraduate students with opportunities to present their research, receive feedback from experts, and build collaborative networks across institutions.
University officials said the symposium reflects MacKay Medical University’s long-term commitment to expanding international research partnerships and cultivating physician-scientists capable of bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical innovation.
Looking ahead, the University plans to further strengthen interdisciplinary research spanning clinical medicine, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and regenerative medicine, while deepening collaborations with academic and healthcare partners worldwide to advance biomedical innovation and improve patient care.
